Our 2017 trials at the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter in Perry, GA, will be on:

July 12-16, 2017

Canine Influenza Procedures for Perry Agility Trials

We know that many of you are concerned about the recent canine influenza outbreak. While the virus is contagious, everything we have received from various sources indicates that it is passed dog to dog through direct contact with oral or nasal secretions.Therefore we are taking some precautions that will reduce the likelihood of contact at our upcoming trials in Perry.

The first and most important thing is that dog owners comply with AKC published guidelines and not bring dogs to the trials that have contracted the disease or been exposed to dogs with the disease in the last 30 days. In this regard, we are relying on owners to be responsible just as we do that they not bring dogs with parvo, distemper or other contagious diseases to events with other dogs. To limit the financial hardship on responsible owners, we will refund the full entry fees, less the AKC fees, for any dog diagnosed by a veterinarian to have canine influenza, even past the closing date until the beginning of the trials. Any dog at the trial, observed with suspicious respiratory symptoms (e.g., coughing, sneezing, nasal secretions) will be asked to leave by the Trial Committee unless the owner has a veterinarian diagnosis that the observed symptoms are not related to canine influenza.

The most prevalent transmission of the virus is by direct nose to nose contact with infected dogs or their nasal secretions. Exhibitors need to be aware of their dogs at all times, especially in the arena floor area, and avoid contact with other dogs. We will ask exhibitors to bring their dogs to the arena floor no more than 10 minutes prior to their estimated run time. We also ask that exhibitors return their dogs to their crating area immediately after their run. We apologize that this may have a negative effect on well-deserved celebrations after a great run. We will have only one dog at a time in the entry chutes. Also, we will dip the leash grabber in a disinfectant solution between each run. Any treats brought to the arena floor must be in a sealed zip lock bag (the clubs will have a supply available). All treats must be removed immediately after your run. Treats not reclaimed in a timely manner will be disposed of by the trial committee.

Although the virus is not a clinically airborne virus, the virus can be projected up to 20 feet by sneezing or coughing. It is suggested that exhibitors bring some sort of covering for their crates to reduce the risk of contamination from a passing dog.

As always, dogs are not allowed off leash on the GNFA property except when competing in the ring.

We ask all exhibitors to cooperate with these precautions to minimize the risk to all the dogs. We apologize for any inconveniences these procedures might bring and we thank for in advance for your cooperation. We look forward to a future trial when all these precautions will not be necessary.

Trial Committees

Atlanta Kennel Club

Chattahoochee Weimaraner Club

November 29 - December 3, 2017

Agility is a team sport, just you and your dog, training as a team to move around a pre-determined course filled with jumps, weave polls, a-frames and tunnels. The dog can attain titles, including a Master Agility Championship. The Atlanta Kennel Club offers three trial weekends a year—in April, July. and November. See below for premium lists and/or judging programs.